Most of us have woken up with a stiff neck, lower back pain or sore legs. Most issues with muscle pain are a result of tension, stress, overuse and minor pulls. Pain can affect a few muscles or an entire part of the body. Discover the many ways that weak and sore muscles are caused. You may be able to notice your own habits and prevent them in the future.
Chronic and Acute Muscle Pain
There are two main types of muscle pain. The first, acute, is a sudden onset that typically has a shorter affecting period. For example, after a workout, you may experience a tenderness or sore feeling in your muscles. This will usually fade away after a few days. The best way to assist with muscle pain is to lightly stretch and continue with your workout regime to make the muscle stronger. Remember, no strain, lots of gains.
The long-lasting, more serious type of muscle pain is called chronic pain, which can result from a serious injury, soft tissue damage, or other disorders. Consider fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or sprains, and strains. Depending on the issue, the treatment and pain management of muscles will vary.
Types of Diseases and Disorders
- Metabolic disorder. If you have a metabolic disorder that’s hindering production of chemicals such as hormones or proteins, then you may experience painful or weak muscles. More common metabolic diseases include Addison’s disease, hyperparathyroidism, thyrotoxicosis and low potassium or sodium levels.
- Neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy and Guillain-Barre syndrome, affect the nervous system. Your nervous system is responsible for physical feelings and sensations. If it’s injured or inflamed, this can result in serious pain for you. Other diseases in this category include Bell’s palsy, ALS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Muscle disease involves the weakening or inflammation of a muscle, causing pain or weakness. Muscular dystrophy and myositis are the most common form of muscle disease.
Weak muscles can also be caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as Lyme or influenza. If you’re anemic, meaning your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells due to lack of vitamin B12, you’re susceptible to nerve damage and muscle weakness.
If you are experiencing sore muscles beyond the norm of a strenuous workout, it could be cause for concern. Speak with your primary care physician when you begin to notice any uncomfortable pain that has lasted more than a few days. Your doctor will be able to help narrow down the possible causes and send you to a center for treatment.
The medical team at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation diagnose and treat a variety of conditions in adults, including muscular issues through superior service and state-of-the-art treatment methods. If you have been diagnosed with any of these health conditions, SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation can help you. Call us at (803) 749-1111 to schedule an appointment or fill out our simple online appointment request form today. We look forward to serving you.
